Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments

Ont. expands prescription powers for pharmacists Ontario has expanded the list of medication that pharmacies can now prescribe patients, with some calling for birth control to be next.

Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six additional common ailments at pharmacies across the province.

The move was announced by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones in Etobicoke Sunday morning.

“Expanding the list of common ailments pharmacists can treat, people will now get faster, more convenient access to the care they need closer to home, while helping to further reduce wait times at our community clinics and hospitals,” Jones said Sunday.

The six new ailments – acne, canker sores, diaper rash, yeast infections, parasitic worms, and pregnancy nausea – will be added to the existing 16, of which a list can be found on the ministry’s website.

Pharmacists in Ontario have been able to prescribe medications for common ailments since early this year. According to the Ministry of Health, 89 per cent of pharmacies in the province have opted into the program, providing over 400,000 assessments.

Jones underlined Saturday that residents would only need their OHIP card to access the services, "never your credit card."

"Under Premier Ford, that will never change," she said.

Recent changes by the province have also allowed pharmacists to administer select injections and inhalation treatments, such as insulin, B12 shots, or osteoporosis treatments, for a “professional fee.”